Richard Mille and Ferrari team up for a stunning double-second tourbillon
This watch follows in the footsteps of the ultra-thin RM UP-01 often seen on the wrist of Pharrell Williams.
The RM 43-01 is Richard Mille’s fifth double-second tourbillon watch since the RM 008, which was launched in 2003. With each iteration, we’ve seen the concept mature, and this is the first time we’ve seen the watch presented in an asymmetrical manner. While the general feature set is the same, the RM 43-01 movement was largely designed from scratch over a three-year period. Many of the shapes and finishes on the final product are inspired by Ferrari cars, from the taillights of the SF90 to the exhaust pipes of the newly released F80 flagship.
The new RM 43-01 movement (which bears the same name as the watch) is a technical powerhouse. The movement consists of 514 parts set within a titanium baseplate, all of which come together to create an impressive complication. Motorsports played a big role in the formation of Richard Mille’s brand identity, and the inspiration for the RM 43-01 is clear from the outset, not only visually but mechanically as well. There’s a lot to digest at a glance in this watch, but the complications are presented in a practical, straightforward manner, even if the skeletonized case underneath compromises legibility.
The RM 43-01 Ferrari Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph is available in two different versions. The first version features a titanium case with red and gold-plated accents on the dial and movement, while the second version features a Carbon TPT case made from hundreds of layers of carbon fiber with yellow accents on the dial and movement. Visually, the two watches each have their own distinct characteristics, highlighting the different strengths of the case and movement construction.
The focal point of the dial is the timekeeping elements of the chronograph, with the 30-minute totalizer at 9 o’clock being the only visible framed subdial. That said, there’s also a rather interesting running seconds indicator at 5 o’clock. This is actually a 60-second tourbillon, equipped with a free-sprung balance that oscillates at 3 Hz, with 5 arms on the frame indexed at 12-second intervals. To its left, you’ll find a decorative rear wing inspired by the tail of the Ferrari 499P race car, emblazoned with the car brand’s iconic “cavallino” prancing horse logo.
The real star of the show is the latest generation split-seconds chronograph mechanism developed by Richard Mille and APLL (Apérienne Loewe). The timing is operated via three push-pieces in the case. Operation is effortless thanks to the fine regulation, sensitive feedback and smooth movements of the mechanism inside. The mechanism is linked to the power reserve indication and the torque indication, ensuring that there is enough power in the powerbox to run the complications as expected, including a chronograph of up to 30 minutes and a split-seconds chronograph function, which allows the wearer to time two events simultaneously, with the seconds hand “catching up” to the first second by simply pressing a push-piece.
Every detail of this watch reflects excellent quality. From the contrasting finishes to the construction of the chronograph. As with many fake Richard Mille references, there’s something new to discover around every corner of the RM 43-01. The depth of the movement not only offers interesting views from the front and back, but also glimpses of what’s inside from extreme angles. It’s a tall (17.1mm) watch that curves to the shape of the wrist, and as such gives it a distinctly vintage Richard Mille feel. From the shape to the texture, this watch is a very unique experience on the wrist and, despite its small size, it’s astonishing to wear.
Also in attendance at the Paris launch was long-time brand partner and former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa, who recounted stories of wearing a Richard Mille watch while racing (in those days, you could do such things). This is of course a signature move for Richard Mille ambassadors, from Rafael Nadal wearing the RM 027 at the 2010 French Open to the gold medal sprinter wearing the RM 038 at the 2012 Olympics. Massa’s presence underscores the brand’s commitment to developing watches that match the wearer’s performance without compromising it.
The RM 43-01 continues this commitment to motorsport and, in particular, to Ferrari, expressing a unique vision of the shared philosophies of both brands. Like experiencing a Ferrari, the RM 43-01 evokes powerful emotions through its sheer drama, which is exactly what this release should embrace.
